Ostuni, the White Fortress & Lecce's Theatrical Baroque

Travelling from Polignano in the morning (the full itinerary is here) we stop first at the town of Ostuni, known as the “white fortress”, one of the most stunning cities in southern Italy famous for the dazzling effect of its whitewashed houses set against the sea. It is a genuine and charming example of Mediterranean architecture constructed on a series of levels with staircases, small roads, alleys and archways all linking in an inevitable upward spiral to the pink stone cathedral at the summit with its glorious rose window.

Arriving at the highest point of Ostuni, you will find more whitewashed houses with the entrance doors framed by local stones and bright flowers. From here, the view embraces the valley dotted with olive trees and vineyards and, on a clear day, down to the sea. Hints from the Middle Ages can be found all over, in between glimpses of the sea in the portal of a palace, in the walls of a convent or on a church's facade. The brightness of its whitewashed houses, set against the pink-tinged brown of its principal monument, distinguishes the town in the green of the surrounding area.

You haven't seen Baroque in all its theatrical, indulgent, luxuriant excess until you've spent a day among the wreaths of fruit and the women sculpted on the golden limestone churches and palaces of Lecce.

In the afternoon we arrive at our accommodation, Patria Palace, 17th century pallazzo now a prestigious hotel in the centre of Lecce. This historical building is opposite the stunning elaborate baroque facade of the Basilica of Santa Croce, in a piazza close to all the historical monuments of the city. Recently renovated to include all modern comforts while its original architectural and artistic beauty has been preserved. Its rooms are decorated in rich liberty style, each with its own original decorative paintings.

The Basilica of Santa Croce is opposite our hotel in the centre of Lecce

Lecce is an historic Baroque city in the heart of the Salento Region of Puglia and is often nicknamed The Florence of the South because of its abundant art and culture. There is a guided visit in the town after we have settled in, and then a substantial included dinner of characteristic local fare & wine at our hotel

Otranto on the coast is a 40 minute drive after which we leave you essentially to your own devices to spend a relaxing day wandering the streets of this seaside resort town.

Otranto occupies the site of the ancient Hydrus, a town of Greek origin, and in Roman times it was a city of considerable importance. As it is the nearest port to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, under the Roman emperors it was a point of embarkation for the East.

Following are some more images taken on our last visit to Otranto:

The next week of the tour is in Matera, Paestum and Sorrento. Watch out for the newsletter.

READING LIST: Following here are a few highly recommended suggestions to get you in the mood before your travels with us through Southern Italy